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Between Art and Mind: Diagrams in Medieval Europe - MST00090M

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  • Department: Centre for Medieval Studies
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module focuses on medieval diagrams as tools for presenting and generating knowledge about the world.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

The study of diagrams is one of the most rapidly expanding fields in art historical research, and closely allied to the investigation of the ties between art, science and human cognition. Focusing on medieval diagrams created in Europe, the module will closely examine key examples from different fields of knowledge, including astronomy, cosmology, ethics, theology, history, and logic. A particular focus will be on examining the epistemological role of lines; and on exploring the ways in which micro- and macrocosmic relationships were conceptualised - a relationship that has re-emerged as one of the most urgent themes in the current climate crisis.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should have acquired:

  • a good knowledge of key examples of medieval diagrams

  • acquaintance with their intellectual and cultural contexts

  • an understanding of the debates about and approaches to the subject

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Students have the opportunity to submit a formative essay of up to 2,000 words and receive written or oral feedback, as appropriate, from a tutor. For the summative essay (3500-4000 words), students will receive their provisional mark and written feedback in line with the University's turnaround policy. The tutor will then be available during student hours for follow-up guidance if required.

Indicative reading

  • Edson, Evelyn, and Emilie Savage-Smith, eds. Medieval Views of the Cosmos: Picturing the Universe in the Christian and Islamic Middle Ages. Oxford: Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, 2004.
  • Even-Ezra, Eyelet. Lines of Thought: Branching Diagrams and the Medieval Mind. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2021.
  • Hamburger, Jeffrey, David J. Roxburgh, and Linda Safran, eds. The Diagram as Paradigm: Cross-Cultural Approaches. Washington, DC: Dumbarton Oaks, 2022.
  • Ingold, Tim. Lines: A Brief History. London: Routledge, 2016.
  • Krämer, Sybille, and Christina Ljungberg, eds. Thinking with Diagrams: The Semiotic Basis of Human Cognition. Berlin: De Gruyter, 2016.
  • Kupfer, Marcia, Adam S. Cohen, and J. H. Chajes, eds. The Visualization of Knowledge in Medieval and Early Modern Europe. Turnhout: Brepols, 2020.
  • Pombo, Olga, and Alexander Gerner, eds. Studies in Diagrammatology and Diagram Praxis. London: College Publications, 2010.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.